Patents by Inventor William J. Schnell

William J. Schnell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20220176027
    Abstract: A disposable medical flow-regulating assembly includes flow-directing units, with multiple fluid-flow lines entering each of the flow-directing units. The flow-directing units are interconnected by a fluid-flow line that extends between them. Each of the flow-directing units includes a rotational insert member that regulates which of multiple flow passages through the flow-directing unit is open and which are closed, based on the angular position of the insert member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. BRUGGER, William J. SCHNELL
  • Publication number: 20220178477
    Abstract: Fluid couplings prevent or discourage misconnection of fluid lines. In embodiments, a coupling device includes multiple male and female connectors that are joined to a common line. The coupling device is mated to a matching coupling device only when all the multiple male and female connectors are properly joined. If any of the connectors is not properly mated to a corresponding one, the coupling will leak, since the connectors on each side are joined to a furcating channel. In embodiments, the coupling devices are made unique by providing an arrangement of the connectors, number of connectors, shape of connectors or arrangement of interfering connector parts that ensure that any attempt to improperly couple two fluid lines will result in the incomplete mating and thereby cause leakage of the fluid, failure of the coupling to engage, or otherwise cause the attempt to connect to fail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. BRUGGER, William J. SCHNELL
  • Patent number: 11344658
    Abstract: According to embodiments, priming systems, methods, and devices are disclosed which allow medical treatment devices which pump fluid to be primed with minimal operator intervention and a high level of convenience. A blood circuit with a filter fitted with one or more air vents on a non-blood compartment is attached to a treatment system and priming fluid pumped slowly through the blood circuit in a loop. The source of fluid may be elevated, or the pumping may generate pressure, such that priming fluid is forced through the membrane of the filter and out the air vent(s). In embodiments, the vents are hydrophobic which prevent fluid from being ejected, so the priming system can run without intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, William J. Schnell
  • Publication number: 20220074511
    Abstract: Fluid channel sealing devices, frangible seals, fluid circuits, associated controllers and methods of using the same are provided for controlling fluid distribution using a reconfigurable blocking element having first and second portions to establish a first configuration free of any open channels such that fluid is prevented from flowing through the channel and a second configuration where the first and second portions are separated to establish an open channel and allow fluid to pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory YANTZ, Mark T. WYETH, James Ian JOHNSON, William J. SCHNELL
  • Publication number: 20210308349
    Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis admixing and/or treatment devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The systems, methods, and devices provide high-level guarantees of sterility and employs relatively inexpensive disposable components to provide pumping. Disclosed systems, methods, and devices and features thereof are adapted for point of use generation of medicament. In particular admixing systems that employ independently-replaceable long term concentrate are disclosed. Features are directed to assurance of sterility and accurate admixing of water and concentrate to generate ready-to-use medicaments and other benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2018
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. WYETH, Gregory YANTZ, James Ian JOHNSON, James M. BRUGGER, Dennis M. TREU, Dritan KURSHUMI, Jeffrey H. BURBANK, William J. SCHNELL, Robert Paul MCCARTY
  • Publication number: 20210186640
    Abstract: A system for containing and transporting a medical device may include a container including a bottom face and surrounding side faces as a closed first end and an open second end to form an inner portion for receiving and retaining the medical device. The liner may be extendable over the side faces to line the inner portion of the container to an outer surface of the bottom face of the container. The liner may act as a protective barrier to the container to minimize contamination when receiving and/or retaining a used medical device. First and second covers may be removably attachable to the container, over the liner, to enclose a medical device therebetween. A first cover may have a color or marking indicating the medical device is “clean”, while a second cover may have a color or marking indicating the medical device is “used”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Michele E. Dalena, Lisa Spak, William J. Schnell, Jason D. Holt, Kyle P. Moore, Nathan T. Cummings, Jenny Dandin, Alyson Borzillo, Ryan LaFlamme, Joshua Talsky, Mark Collins
  • Publication number: 20210128812
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David DESOUZA, Daniel Joseph RUBERY, JR., Dennis M. TREU, Mark T. WYETH, Jerome JAMES, Garrett D. CASEY, James M. BRUGGER, William J. SCHNELL, Jeffrey H. BURBANK, Goetz FRIEDERICHS
  • Publication number: 20210060226
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. BURBANK, Dennis M. TREU, Daniel Joseph RUBERY, JR., Scott W. NEWELL, James M. BRUGGER, William J. SCHNELL, William K. WEIGEL, Steven A. WHITE, Mark T. WYETH, Jerome JAMES, David DESOUZA, Joseph E. TURK, JR., Garrett CASEY
  • Publication number: 20210023291
    Abstract: According to embodiments, priming systems, methods, and devices are disclosed which allow medical treatment devices which pump fluid to be primed with minimal operator intervention and a high level of convenience. A blood circuit with a filter fitted with one or more air vents on a non-blood compartment is attached to a treatment system and priming fluid pumped slowly through the blood circuit in a loop. The source of fluid may be elevated, or the pumping may generate pressure, such that priming fluid is forced through the membrane of the filter and out the air vent(s). In embodiments, the vents are hydrophobic which prevent fluid from being ejected, so the priming system can run without intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. BRUGGER, William J. SCHNELL
  • Patent number: 10898635
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Desouza, Daniel J. Rubery, Jr., Dennis M. Treu, Mark T. Wyeth, Jerome James, Garrett D. Casey, James M. Brugger, William J. Schnell, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Goetz Friederichs
  • Patent number: 10869958
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, Dennis M. Treu, Daniel J. Rubery, Jr., Scott W. Newell, James M. Brugger, William J. Schnell, William K. Weigel, Steven A. White, Mark T. Wyeth, Jerome James, David Desouza, Joseph E. Turk, Jr., Garrett Casey
  • Patent number: 10864312
    Abstract: A tubular medical fluid flow set comprises a pressure sensing chamber connected in flow-through relation to fluid flow tubing of the set. The pressure sensing chamber defines a movable, flexible, impermeable diaphragm dividing the chamber into two separate compartments. The fluid flow tubing communicates with one of the compartments and is isolated from the other of the compartments. A port is carried on the chamber, the port having a seal therein, and communicating with the other of the compartments. Thus, the other of the compartments is hermetically sealed until the port is opened for connection with a pressure measuring device, to keep the flexible diaphragm in a desired, initial position prior to opening of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: B. BRAUN MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, David Bell, Karen Wilson, David S. Utterberg
  • Patent number: 10835662
    Abstract: According to embodiments, priming systems, methods, and devices are disclosed which allow medical treatment devices which pump fluid to be primed with minimal operator intervention and a high level of convenience. A blood circuit with a filter fitted with one or more air vents on a non-blood compartment is attached to a treatment system and priming fluid pumped slowly through the blood circuit in a loop. The source of fluid may be elevated, or the pumping may generate pressure, such that priming fluid is forced through the membrane of the filter and out the air vent(s). In embodiments, the vents are hydrophobic which prevent fluid from being ejected, so the priming system can run without intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, William J. Schnell
  • Patent number: 10835659
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, Dennis M. Treu, Daniel J. Rubery, Jr., Scott W. Newell, James M. Brugger, William J. Schnell, William K. Weigel, Steven A. White, Mark T. Wyeth, Jerome James, David Desouza, Joseph E. Turk, Jr., Garrett Casey
  • Patent number: 10835658
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, Dennis M. Treu, Daniel J. Rubery, Jr., Scott W. Newell, James M. Brugger, William J. Schnell, William K. Weigel, Steven A. White, Mark T. Wyeth, Jerome James, David Desouza, Joseph E. Turk, Jr., Garrett Casey
  • Patent number: 10835657
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, Dennis M. Treu, Daniel J. Rubery, Jr., Scott W. Newell, James M. Brugger, William J. Schnell, William K. Weigel, Steven A. White, Mark T. Wyeth, Jerome James, David Desouza, Joseph E. Turk, Jr., Garrett Casey
  • Publication number: 20200318710
    Abstract: The present invention consists of providing a drive shaft damper having a condensed radial size of most of the shaft damper insert along its length for the purposes of lowering the cost of freight and enabling easy installation of the product into the drive shaft. Parts can be inserted into a drive shaft without any radial interference, which then can expand after installation. End portions may have radial interference without compression or with minimal compression to seal the damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: UFP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Holt, Matthew Robert Hale, William J. Schnell, Lawrence W. Barrows, Daniel J. Shaw, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200171230
    Abstract: A medicament preparation system includes a disposable cartridge with a flow path. Various sensors may be placed on the cartridge to measure qualities of the fluid flowing through the flow path. The sensors are placed in precise locations using various approaches that make manufacturing of the cartridge efficient and repeatable. A drain line that is susceptible to fouling may be preattached and various approaches are used to remove or reduce the fouling. An elastomeric contact can also be present in the medical preparation system and used in a conductivity measurement subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. BRUGGER, Jeffrey H. BURBANK, Goetz FRIEDERICHS, Scott W. NEWELL, William J. SCHNELL, Orlando SOTO
  • Publication number: 20200155747
    Abstract: A conductivity measurement device includes first and second conductivity measurement flow channels positioned in a fluid circuit and fluidly linked for fluid flow between the first and second conductivity measurement flow channels. A controller having a current source connected to the first and second conductivity channels applies alternating voltages at frequencies that are different, each being respective to one of the first and second conductivity cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Orlando SOTO, Joseph RAUSA, James M. BRUGGER, William J. SCHNELL, Goetz FRIEDERICHS, Jeffrey H. BURBANK, Joseph E. TURK, JR., Scott W. NEWELL, Amanda WOZNIAK
  • Publication number: 20200061281
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David DESOUZA, Daniel J. RUBERY, Jr., Dennis M. TREU, Mark T. WYETH, Jerome JAMES, Garrett D. CASEY, James M. BRUGGER, William J. SCHNELL, Jeffrey H. BURBANK, Goetz FRIEDERICHS